2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

In the past, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra's design was often described as unremarkable, blending into the background without drawing much attention. However, the 2021 redesign transformed the Elantra into a striking vehicle with a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, giving it a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. The exterior styling, reminiscent of the midsize Sonata sedan, featured unique creases and folds that created a distinctive "Z" shape on the doors, adding character and setting it apart from its competitors.

The interior of the 2022 Elantra also saw significant improvements, with material quality and design slightly above the norm for the compact car class. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the overall feel was enhanced by advanced tech features. The 2022 model was available in four trim levels: SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited, with the N Line offering sporty styling elements and a black interior. The N Line's sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals contributed to a sporty look and feel.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra continued to offer a range of options to suit various budgets and preferences. The base SE model was affordable, while the SEL and Limited trims provided more upscale features. The Elantra Hybrid models boasted impressive fuel efficiency, achieving between 50 and 54 mpg in combined driving. The sporty N Line and performance-tuned Elantra N catered to driving enthusiasts, with the latter featuring a 276-horsepower engine developed at the Nürburgring racing track.

For 2023, the Elantra's exterior styling remained somewhat controversial, with mixed opinions on its design. However, the interior of the Limited trim impressed with its Melange with Gray color scheme, light gray leather seats, and upscale fabric trim. The cabin featured classy nighttime illumination, ambient lighting, and high-tech displays, making it feel anything but entry-level. The only downside was the hard plastic on the upper door panels, which detracted from an otherwise sensational cabin.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options. The SE, SEL, and Limited trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). While adequate for most buyers, this powertrain lacked power during hard acceleration. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, a 32-kilowatt electric motor, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), delivering 139 horsepower and up to 195 pound-feet of torque.

The N Line trim provided a more engaging driving experience with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed DCT with manual shift mode and paddle shifters. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, multi-link independent rear suspension, and larger front brake rotors enhanced its ride and handling dynamics, making it a compelling package for driving enthusiasts.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited's spec chart might not have been exciting, with its 2.0-liter engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and FWD. However, its driving dynamics defied expectations. The CVT was one of the best in the compact car class, and the Elantra Limited averaged 33 mpg during testing. While the torsion-beam rear axle setup was cost-effective, it didn't compromise ride and handling noticeably.

In city and suburban driving, the Elantra Limited offered a communicative yet compliant ride, with a properly calibrated brake pedal and suitable steering effort levels. On the highway, it was remarkably quiet. The Elantra Limited displayed remarkable composure on twisty roads, with consistent and repeatable handling qualities. The 17-inch wheels and 225/45 tires contributed to its stability, while the suspension attenuated excess motion without feeling too firm. The only drawbacks were the steering's lack of quickness and the brakes heating up during spirited driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra was not just about stylish design; it was also practical and easy to live with. Its compact size made it easy to navigate tight spaces, and the instrumentation and controls were user-friendly. The seats were comfortable, though the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to get in and out. The Elantra offered excellent outward visibility and ample storage options. Despite its compact size, the rear seat could accommodate three children comfortably, though taller adults might find the sloped roof pinching headroom.

Cargo space in the 2022 Elantra was adequate at 14.2 cubic feet, though the narrow trunk opening made it challenging to reach the area closest to the seatbacks. The trunk could still hold a surprising amount of gear with some effort. However, the power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a noticeable droning noise when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents was a source of irritation for back-seat passengers.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra continued to prioritize practicality and utility. The test vehicle featured proximity-sensing keyless entry, a comfortable leather-wrapped, six-way power driver's seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control with heated front seats. The rear seat, however, was less satisfying due to its reclined backrest, lack of air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. Taller passengers might find the hard plastic panels on the front seatbacks uncomfortable.

The trunk offered the same 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with the ability to stow full-size suitcases on their sides. The Limited model's 60/40-split folding back seat expanded utility when needed. The hands-free trunk release feature was standard on some Elantra models, adding convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its level of technology, considering its price. The base SE model came with an 8-inch display audio touchscreen, rearview camera, HD Radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, four speakers, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added more speakers, satellite radio, and Blue Link connected services. The Limited and Hybrid Limited trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, a fully digital instrument cluster, dynamic voice recognition, and wireless device charging.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra expanded the availability of its 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays to the SEL Convenience package and N Line trim. These screens were standard on the Limited trim and offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, connected services, dynamic voice recognition, navigation, and wireless smartphone charging. However, only Bluetooth supported a wireless connection, requiring a USB port for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The voice recognition system generally performed well, though it struggled with some commands. The Bose premium audio system in the Elantra Limited didn't match the sound quality of similar systems in rival models. The test vehicle also featured Digital Key technology, allowing a compatible smartphone to function as the vehicle's key. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert was a useful feature, alerting drivers when the car ahead started moving.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, and lane-centering assistance. Additional features included driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added intersection turn assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist.

The 2022 Elantra received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and top "Good" ratings in all six crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, lower trims with halogen headlights received a "Marginal" rating, while the Limited trim with LED headlights received a "Good" rating.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra continued to offer a generous package of standard safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and a safe exit warning system. The Elantra Limited added cyclist detection, intersection turning assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist.

The Elantra's driving assist systems performed smoothly and subtly, providing confidence and trust in their operation. The 2023 Elantra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in all crash-test categories except frontal crash protection, where it received four stars. The IIHS had not yet carried forward the Top Safety Pick rating for the 2023 model.